Middle Georgia Regional Airport Unveils New ARFF Fire Truck with Push-In Ceremony

MACON, Ga. — A new state-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle has officially joined the fleet at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, replacing equipment that had been in service for more than three decades.

The Rosenbauer Panther 4×4 ARFF truck was introduced during a push-in ceremony on April 29, led by Fire Chief Shane Edwards, alongside Lester Miller, Airport Deputy Director Heather Lowe and District 6 Commissioner Bill Howell.

“We are proud to add this Rosenbauer Panther 4×4 to our fleet,” Edwards said. “This state-of-the-art ARFF vehicle enhances our ability to protect our community by ensuring we are equipped with the best in emergency response technology.”

The new truck replaces a 32-year-old unit and is designed to improve response times and efficiency during airport emergencies.

“This is an important step in making sure our airport remains safe, prepared, and ready to respond at any moment,” Lowe said. “Having this level of equipment on-site gives our passengers, staff, and tenants confidence that safety is always a top priority.”

Officials noted the upgrade also supports airport tenants, including Dean Baldwin Painting, by helping maintain safety standards needed for continued operations and growth.

Commissioner Howell, who also pilots aircraft, emphasized the importance of emergency readiness.

“This fire truck may be just another fire truck to most people, but if you’re a pilot and have declared an emergency, that truck is the most important piece of equipment that you want to see,” Howell said.

The ceremony concluded with a traditional push-in, where firefighters and officials helped move the truck into its bay — a longstanding fire service tradition dating back to the era of horse-drawn equipment.